Multi-sided message display device

ABSTRACT

A device ( 10 ) for displaying a plurality of messages selectively or simultaneously in substantially the same physical space, with each message being secured to a different side ( 16,18 ) of a multi-sided panel ( 14 ), and with the panel ( 14 ) being movable between different positions in each of which at least one of the messages is displayed. The device ( 10 ) includes a housing ( 12 ), the panel ( 14 ), a pivot movement mechanism ( 20 ), a linear movement mechanism ( 22 ), and a locking mechanism ( 24 ) for securing the panel ( 14 ) in a position such that a desired one of the messages is displayed. The movement mechanisms ( 20,22 ) movably couple the panel ( 14 ) to the housing ( 12 ), such that the panel ( 14 ) can be simultaneously pivoted and linearly moved to the desired display position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. non-provisional patent application and claims priority benefit of a first earlier-filed U.S. provisional patent application titled PIVOTING DOUBLE SIDED MENU DISPLAY, Ser. No. 60/746,295, filed May 3, 2006, and a second earlier-filed U.S. provisional patent application titled PIVOTING DOUBLE SIDED MENU DISPLAY, Ser. No. 60/746,803, filed May 9, 2006. The identified earlier-filed applications are hereby incorporated by reference into the present application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for displaying messages. More specifically, the present invention concerns a device for displaying a plurality of messages selectively or simultaneously in substantially the same physical space, wherein each message is secured to a different side of a multi-sided panel, and wherein the panel is movable between a plurality of positions, in each of which at least one of the messages is displayed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some display devices allow for removing and replacing or rearranging messages in order to display or emphasize a particular message. Unfortunately, these devices suffer from a number of problems and disadvantages, including, for example, that it can require substantial time, labor, and general inconvenience to remove and replace or rearrange the messages. These problems and disadvantages can be particularly onerous in situations in which the messages must be changed relatively frequently or over a relatively short period of time.

For example, it is known to provide a breakfast menu on a first menu board and a lunch/dinner menu on a second menu board, and to, at an appropriate transition time every day, physically remove whichever of the menu boards is on display and replace it with the other. It will be appreciated, however, that it can require substantial time, labor, and general inconvenience, as well as risk damage to either or both menu boards, to regularly remove, replace, and otherwise physically handle the menu boards in this manner.

Due to these and other problems and disadvantages, a need exists for an improved device for displaying messages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the above-identified problems and disadvantages by providing a device for displaying a plurality of messages selectively or simultaneously in substantially the same physical space, wherein each message is secured to a different side of a multi-sided panel, and wherein the panel is movable between a plurality of positions, in each of which at least one of the messages is displayed.

In one embodiment, the display device comprises a housing; a panel having a first side for displaying a first message when the panel is in a first position, and a second side for displaying a second message when the panel is in a second position; a pivot movement mechanism and a linear movement mechanism for coupling the panel to the housing and for moving the panel between the first position and the second position; and a locking mechanism for selectively securing the panel in the desired first or second position relative to the housing such that either the first message or the second message is displayed.

The device may further include any one or more of the following additional features. The first and second messages may be menus. The housing may be substantially frameless. The housing may include a hinge-mounted door through which the panel can be seen. The panel may further include one or more securement mechanisms for releasably securing the first and second messages to the panel. The securement mechanisms may use mechanical force or magnetic attraction to secure the first and second messages to the panel. The pivot movement mechanism and the linear movement mechanism may allow for simultaneously pivoting and linearly moving the panel relative to the housing. The pivot movement mechanism may couple the panel to the linear movement mechanism, and the linear movement mechanism may couple the pivot movement mechanism to the housing, or, alternatively, the linear movement mechanism may couple the panel to the pivot movement mechanism, and the pivot movement mechanism may couple the linear movement mechanism to the housing. The panel may be mounted so as to linearly move substantially horizontally or substantially vertically relative to the housing. The locking mechanism may include a spring-loaded catch, a fixed catch which cooperates with a friction or other suitable mechanical clamp, or a magnet.

Additionally, the display device may further include an illumination source operable to illuminate the panel and the messages displayed thereon. The illumination source may include one or more fluorescent illumination sources, or one or more light emitting diode illumination sources. The illumination source may illuminate the panel by directing illumination onto an edge of the panel so that it propagates through the panel, or, alternatively, may direct illumination onto a reflector which reflects the illumination through the panel so as to backlight the message.

These and other features of the present invention are described in greater detail in the section titled DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

A preferred embodiment of the display device of the present invention is described below with reference to the following figures:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an embodiment of the display device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of the display device including illumination components;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional elevation view of an embodiment of a pivot movement mechanism component and a linear movement mechanism component of the display device;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary isometric view of an embodiment of a locking mechanism component of the display device;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the display device in which a first message on a first side of a panel component of the display device is displayed in a first position;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the display device in which the panel component has been pivoted;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the display device in which the panel component has been moved to an opposite side of a housing component of the display device;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the display device in which the panel component has been pivoted again into a second position so as to display a second message on a second side of the panel component; and

FIG. 9 is a sectional plan view of the display device showing a reflector component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the figures, a display device 10 is herein described, shown, and disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the device 10 allows for displaying a plurality of messages selectively or simultaneously in substantially the same physical space, wherein each message is secured to a different side of a multi-sided panel, and wherein the panel is movable between a plurality of positions, in each of which at least one of the messages is displayed.

In one contemplated application of the device 10, the messages are menus (e.g., breakfast and lunch, breakfast and lunch/dinner, or lunch and dinner), food advertisements, or other food-related messages, the panel is two-sided, and the panel can, on a regular basis, be quickly and easily repositioned so as to display the desired message without requiring the substantial time, labor, general inconvenience, and risk of damage to the messages incurred when using prior art display devices.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the device 10 broadly comprises a housing 12; the panel 14 having first and second sides 16,18; a pivot movement mechanism 20; a linear movement mechanism 22; and a locking mechanism 24. The housing 12 provides structure for mechanically supporting, concealing, and protecting other components of the device 12. The housing 12 may be open on one side, thereby allowing for displaying one message in one direction at any given time, or both sides, thereby allowing for displaying two messages in opposite directions at any given time. The housing 12 may be an existing menu cabinet, or, alternatively, a custom-designed unit. The housing 12 may be given a substantially “frameless” appearance, especially in a non-illuminated embodiment (discussed below), where a lesser ability to conceal components is needed. In another embodiment, the housing 12 may present a significant frame, and may include a hinge-mounted door 13 through which the panel 14 can be seen and which must be opened in order to reposition the panel 14.

In one embodiment, the panel 14 is double-sided and allows for displaying a first message on the first side 16 and for displaying a second message on the second side 18. In another embodiment, there are two panels held in a spaced-apart relation, with each panel being associated with one of the sides 14,16. The panel 14, or panels, may be constructed of plexiglass or a similarly lightweight, transparent or semitransparent, or otherwise suitable material. A handle 15 may be attached to the panel 14 to facilitate grasping and moving the panel 14 between positions.

Each side 16,18 may be provided with securement mechanisms 17, such as, for example, tension or spring-biased clips or tabs or magnets, to securely retain and quickly release the respective message when it is desirable to do so. There may be a plurality of relatively short or small securement mechanisms 17, or there may be a lesser number of relatively long or large securement mechanisms 17. The securement mechanisms 17 may be substantially transparent. Where the securement mechanisms 17 are magnetic, the messages may be clamped between the magnets and complimentary magnetic material, e.g., metal strips, associated with the edges of the panel 14 or with the housing 12.

The pivot movement mechanism 20 allows for pivoting the panel 14 relative to the housing 12. The pivot movement mechanism 20 may include an upper rod and bushing assembly 30 associated with a first corner or intermediate portion of the panel 14, and a lower rod and bushing assembly 32 associated with a second corner or intermediate portion of the panel 14 which is substantially opposite the upper rod and bushing 30. The panel 14 may be made to pivot about a substantially vertically-oriented axis extending through and between the upper and lower rod and bushing assemblies 30,32, or the panel 14 may be made to pivot about a substantially horizontally-oriented axis extending through and between the upper and lower rod and bushing assemblies 30,32.

The linear movement mechanism 22 allows for linearly moving, e.g., sliding or rolling, the panel 14 relative to the housing 12. Referring particularly to FIG. 2, the linear movement mechanism 22 may include an upper track and ball bearing assembly 40 and a lower track and ball bearing assembly 42. Alternatively, referring also to FIG. 3, an upper end, which may be, for example, a protrusion or wheel 110, of the upper rod and bushing assembly 30 slides, rolls or otherwise moves within or engaged with an upper channel 112 or track; and a lower end, which may also be a protrusion or wheel, of the lower rod and bushing assembly 32 slides, rolls or otherwise moves within or engaged with a lower channel or track.

In one embodiment, the pivot movement mechanism 20 couples the panel 14 to the linear movement mechanism 22, and the linear movement mechanism 22 couples the pivot movement mechanism 20 to the housing 12. In another embodiment, the linear movement mechanism 22 couples the panel 14 to the pivot movement mechanism 20, and the pivot movement mechanism 20 couples the linear movement mechanism 22 to the housing 12.

The locking mechanism 24 secures the panel 14 in a particular display position, which, among other advantages, allows the device 10 to be mounted at an angle and still function properly. The locking mechanism 24 may include one or more spring-loaded catches extending between an edge portion of the panel 14 and a receiving hole in an adjacent portion of the housing 12 or other structure secured to the housing 12. Alternatively, referring also to FIG. 4, the catches 114 may be fixed rather than spring-loaded, and received within simple friction clamps 116 or similar mechanical structures mounted to the housing 12. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 24 may include one or more magnets extending between the edge portion of the panel 14 and an adjacent portion of the housing 12. In each case, there may be two instances of the locking structures, with each being positioned on an opposite end of the same edge as a respective one of the upper and lower instances of the pivot movement structure, such that the panel 14 is substantially secured in position relative to the housing 12 by the combined operation of the pivot movement mechanism 20 and the engaged locking mechanism 24.

In illustrative and non-limiting use and operation, the device 10 may function substantially as follows. Referring to FIGS. 5-8, a first message, such as a breakfast menu, is created and clipped to or otherwise associated with the first side 16 of the panel 14, and a second message, such as a lunch and/or dinner menu, is created and clipped to or otherwise associated with the second side 18 of the panel 14. Initially, the panel 14 is in a first display position within the housing 12, in which the first message is displayed. The pivot movement mechanism 20 is located at a corresponding side of the housing 12, and the locking mechanism 24 is engaged, as shown in FIG. 5. As such, the first message is facing a first direction and the second message is facing a second direction. When it is desired to flip the messages, such that the second message faces the first direction, the locking mechanism 24 is disengaged; the panel 14 is pivoted on the pivot movement mechanism 20 so as to be substantially angular to the housing 12, as shown in FIG. 6; the pivot movement mechanism 20 is linearly moved to the opposite side of the housing 12 using the linear movement mechanism 22, as shown in FIG. 7; and, lastly, the panel 14 is pivoted further on the pivot movement mechanism 20 until the panel 14 is in the second position with the second message facing the first direction, and the locking mechanism 24 is engaged, as shown in FIG. 8.

The device 12 may include changeable graphics or other visual elements in the form of removable inserts constructed from printed paper, styrene, or other photographic mediums. The device 12 may include vinyl applied inserts or magnetic elements to create a three dimensional effect.

The device 10 may be non-illuminated or illuminated, including partially illuminated and selectively illuminated. The non-illuminated device may be approximately 2 inches or less in depth. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illuminated device includes an illumination source 50. The illuminated embodiment may include changeable graphics or other visual elements commonly used in the backlit industry, including mylars, duratrans, and other mediums that lend themselves to illumination. The illuminated device may be approximately 3 inches or less in depth. As mentioned, the illuminated device may include a matte edging component or frame to substantially conceal the illumination sources.

Referring also to FIG. 9, a reflector 118 a, 118 b or reflective material may be located between the panels 114 a, 114 b to reflect illumination from the illumination sources 50 a, 50 b in a desired direction, e.g., through the panels 114 a, 114 b so as to backlight the displayed message 116,118. The panels 114 a, 114 b may be coated or silk-screened to better direct or disperse the illumination where or as desired. In one embodiment, there are left and right light sources 50 a, 50 b and left and right reflectors 118 a, 118 b, with the reflectors 118 a, 118 b being pivotably or fixedly coupled with a mount 119 located between the two light sources 50 a, 50 b. When the panels 114 a, 114 b are repositioned to change which message 116,118 is displayed, left and right angle mechanisms 120 a, 120 b bend or pivot the respective reflectors 118 a, 118 b to the appropriate angle to best reflect and direct the illumination through the displayed message 116,118.

Illumination of the panel 14 may be achieved by constructing at least the first and second sides 16,18 of the panel 14 from acrylic or other substantially transparent or translucent material, and illuminating the sides 16,18 with fixed fluorescent or cold cathode tubes or LED light strips mounted vertically to the housing 12 substantially adjacent to the edges of the acrylic or other material when the panel 14 is closed, or positioned substantially flush with the housing 14, such that the illumination produced by the source 50 travels into the edge and propagates through and out of the acrylic or other material. Alternatively, the first and second sides 16,18 of the panel may be constructed from or incorporate electroluminescent elements. Electrical contact points may be positioned on the edges or other portions of the panel 14 to complete an electrical connection for powering the illumination source 50 once the panel 14 has been closed, i.e., has assumed the first or second display position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8.

Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to various embodiments, implementations, and alternative features, it is understood that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following: 

1. A display device comprising: a housing; a panel having a first side for displaying a first message when the panel is in a first position, and a second side for displaying a second message when the panel is in a second position; a pivot movement mechanism and a linear movement mechanism for movably coupling the panel to the housing and allowing for pivoting and linearly moving the panel between the first position and the second position; and a locking mechanism for selectively securing the panel in a desired one of the first or second positions such that a corresponding one of the first or second messages is displayed.
 2. The display device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first and second messages are menus.
 3. The display device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the housing is substantially frameless.
 4. The display device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the housing includes a hinge-mounted door through which the panel can be seen.
 5. The display device as set forth in claim 1, the panel further including one or more securement mechanisms for releasably securing the first and second messages to the panel.
 6. The display device as set forth in claim 5, wherein the securement mechanisms use mechanical force to secure the first and second messages to the panel.
 7. The display device as set forth in claim 5, wherein the securement mechanisms use magnetic attraction to secure the first and second messages to the panel.
 8. The display device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the pivot movement mechanism and the linear movement mechanism allow for simultaneously pivoting and linearly moving the panel relative to the housing.
 9. The display device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the pivot movement mechanism couples the panel to the linear movement mechanism, and wherein the linear movement mechanism couples the panel to the housing.
 10. The display device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the linear movement mechanism couples the panel to the pivot movement mechanism, and wherein the pivot movement mechanism couples the panel to the housing.
 11. The display device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes a spring-loaded catch.
 12. The display device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes a fixed catch which cooperates with a mechanical clamp.
 13. The display device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes a magnet.
 14. The display device as set forth in claim 1, further including an illumination source operable to illuminate the panel.
 15. The display device as set forth in claim 14, wherein the illumination source includes one or more fluorescent illumination sources.
 16. The display device as set forth in claim 14, wherein the illumination source includes one or more light emitting diode illumination sources.
 17. The display device as set forth in claim 14, wherein the illumination source illuminates the panel by directing illumination into an edge of the panel, and wherein the illumination entering the edge of the panel propagates through and out of the panel.
 18. The display device as set forth in claim 14, wherein the illumination source directs illumination onto a reflector which reflects the illumination through the panel so as to backlight the messages.
 19. A display device comprising: a housing; a panel having a first side for displaying a message when the panel is in a first position, and a second side for displaying a second message when the panel is in a second position; and a pivot movement mechanism and a linear movement mechanism, wherein the pivot movement mechanism couples the panel to the linear movement mechanism, and the linear movement mechanism couples the panel to the housing, and wherein the pivot movement mechanism and the linear movement mechanism allow for simultaneously pivoting and linearly moving the panel relative to the housing between the first position of the second position.
 20. A display device comprising: a housing; a panel having a first side for displaying a first message when the panel is in a first position, and a second side for displaying a second message when the panel is in a second position; and a pivot movement mechanism and a linear movement mechanism, wherein the linear movement mechanism couples the panel to the pivot movement mechanism, and the pivot movement mechanism couples the panel to the housing, and wherein the linear movement mechanism and the pivot movement mechanism allow for simultaneously pivoting and linearly moving the panel relative to the housing between the first position of the second position. 